Though he wasn't around for too long, Eli was a player who had just one wonderful season at Burnley in 1991/92, and yet he is in the list of all-time favourites and people simply smile at his name with deep affection remembering his fearless, get-stuck-in, gladiatorial performances as a striker. During this one memorable season he was a member of the promotion team that took Burnley out of the old Fourth Division after a 7-year stay and for that reason as well he assumes legendary status. His dodgy haircuts, sharp suits, 100% input, speed and bravery, plus his goals that season were his hallmarks. That year he was Player of the Season and scored the Goal of the Season, a classic, spectacular, diving header against Peter Shilton in a Cup-game against Derby County. Injuries however blighted his career and managerial changes led to an early exit from Leeds as a youth. He wandered round the lower leagues before landing at Burnley. Sadly, after that one marvellous season injuries took over again. His superb book Thanks for the Memories is almost a textbook on the heartaches and perils of football. Today he is a very successful businessman and still plays for the Vintage Clarets.
